"Eat Good Indian Food. Eat Good Indian Food. Eat Good Indian Food." That's my mantra eating at Yantra.
Yantra Kitchen is a trendy, modern Indian restaurant, specializing in Punjabi cuisine. When I noticed Yantra's Lunch Specials, it gave the impetus to stop by and give them a try.
Papdi Chaat- Yantra's Papdi Chaat is one of their signature dishes, and I really enjoyed it. The chilled yogurt makes this dual purpose - as an appetizer or as dessert. The varying textures provided contrast with each bite. A bit sweet for my taste, but otherwise a charming way to start/end a meal.
Lamb Curry- Upon digging into the Lamb Curry, I developed a coughing fit. Why? Yantra's curry was more pungent, rich, and assertive than what I was expecting. Which is a good thing! A sip of water, and I went back into devouring this delicious plate of tender lamb.
Service was good. The chef's son was attending to customers, and he was prompt & hospitable. Ample seating, inside & al fresco, the music playlist is quite good. Parking is via metered street parking in front, with a paid lot in the back. Yantra Kitchen also has a Chat Cart, selling enticing Indian street snacks.
A tad pricier than other Indian eateries, Yantra Kitchen serves delicious food in a more upscale, yet homey environment. Their Lunch Specials are a great value to experience their menu, and I'm looking forward to coming back to exploring the rest of their entrees. ...
Read moreI recently came across Yantra Kitchen with a group of friends and we figured we would give it a try. Upon taking our seats and glancing at the menu, I knew exactly what to expect- another fusion restaurant that fails to deliver on the authenticity of flavor. Despite this, I stayed optimistic and waited to form an opinion until I tasted their food. If regret had a taste, Yantra nailed it. We ordered food to share for the table, including the chicken tikka masala, lamb and chicken biryani, and the Delhi curry. ALL of our food was bland, uninspired, and boring. The biryani was embarrassing. Over half of it was just white plain rice. When asked for a new biryani, we were given a version that somehow tasted even worse. I would be completely forgiving of the food if the service was at least halfway decent. Service was slow despite there being 2 other tables other than us dining, and the waitstaff kept giving us dirty looks and seemed like they wanted us to leave the entire time we were there. Admittedly our group was large, but that is no excuse. I am very sorry that you guys had to do your jobs. I am not usually one to leave restaurant reviews, but please avoid this place at all costs. A complete and total lack of quality, consistency and bare minimum standards of service. Walk a couple hundred feet in any other direction from Yantra and you can find higher quality food with bigger portions at a...
Read moreI recently visited Yantra in Artesia, and overall, I was impressed with the food quality and speed of service. The restaurant has a lively urban setting, and the wooden decor is warm and inviting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Gobhi (Aloo Gobi): Their cauliflower dish is sautéed to perfection with potatoes in a flavorful Indian garam masala mix. The crispy texture and blend of spices make it a standout. Chicken Dishes: Options like the Yantra's Chicken Kebob and Chicken Tikka Masala Poutine are highly recommended. Tea (Chai): Their chai is made to order and served hot, perfect for complementing your meal.
Other Highlights:
Speedy Service: The staff is attentive and efficient, ensuring a smooth dining experience. Wooden Decor: The wood accents and decor are truly amazing, adding a cozy touch to the restaurant.
Area for Improvement:
Ambiance Issue: Unfortunately, there was a noticeable stench/stale air in the restaurant that was a bit off-putting. It didn't quite match the otherwise warm and inviting atmosphere created by the wooden decor.
Overall:
Despite the ambiance issue, I'd still recommend Yantra for its delicious food and speedy service. With a bit of attention to ventilation and air quality, this restaurant could truly shine....
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